This is a collaborative post.
A new school or even a new term can seem daunting, but with some careful planning, you and your children can start the school year feeling confident and stress free.
Whether they are starting school for the first time or they are returning after the holidays, Manor House School, an independent school for girls, have put together the following advice to help your children get organised…
A great way to help prepare your little ones for school is by gently introducing a new routine, a few weeks before they start their new term. Get them used to earlier bedtimes, morning preparations and following school meal times at home.
If you have younger children, it is particularly helpful to practise things like how to dress themselves or how to choose from the lunch options and carry their own dinner tray.
By teaching your children how to dress themselves as part of your morning routine, you will also build their confidence for when they need to get ready for PE on their own.
Try to get all of your school uniform supplies as early as possible. The closer it gets to the beginning of term, the harder it is to get hold of! You should also make sure that your children have all the necessary stationery items and that all bags, clothes, and other easily lost items have been clearly labelled with their names.
School term means lots of new activities and events which can be hard to keep track of, so it is a good idea to find a large family calendar to keep you all organised. This will also help you and your children to keep on top of homework deadlines or upcoming exams.
Try to make homework fun by creating a special space in your home for them to study. Set up a desk area and add storage, craft supplies and even a black board to practice sums or keep reminders.
By preparing for school as early as possible and giving your children a sense of responsibility, you will help your children to feel more confident and develop into an independent person.